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The Most Popular Salads From Fast Food Restaurants

Healthier options to try from your favorite fast food restaurants.

When you visit a fast food restaurant, it is understandable that you might want to order the juiciest burger on the menu. But, if you are on a diet, this might not be an option. That is why most fast food restaurants have begun to add salads to their menus in recent years. 

vegetable salad from fast food restaurant

Eating healthy at a fast food restaurant isn’t the easiest task, but it isn’t impossible, and the addition of these salads makes it a whole lot easier.

But, the problem with these fast food salads is that they are often a bit hit or miss. 

So what is the best fast food salad in America? In this guide, we’re taking a look at 13 of the best fast food salads that you can get in America.

So to find the perfect fast food salad for you, keep on reading.


Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad

First up, we have the Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad.

This is a very popular choice at Jack in the Box, and it is easy to see why.

With flame-grilled chicken and shredded cheese served on a bed of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes, there is something for everyone in this salad. So, it is definitely one to try. 


Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Alternatively, we would recommend giving the Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad a try.

Some people don’t like sweet ingredients in their salad, but if you do, then this is definitely one to try.

With lettuce, grilled chicken, and poppy seed dressing mixed with sweet ingredients such as blueberries and mandarins, it is the perfect balance of sweet and savory for those who like that.  


Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad

Speaking of sweet ingredients in a salad, next we would recommend giving Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad a try.

This salad is actually pretty low in calories, and this is primarily because it contains a perfect balance of different ingredients.

So, if you are looking for a salad for an autumn day, this is the one to try. 


Chipotle Build Your Own Salad

The best thing about Chipotle is that you can make your own dishes, and their salad is one of these.

With a Chipotle salad, you can tailor it entirely to suit your wants and needs, which is why it is such a great choice. 


Steak ‘n Shake Grilled Chicken Salad

When you visit Steak ‘n Shake, the last thing that you want to order is a salad.

But their Grilled Chicken Salad is likely to tempt you.

This chicken takes the best components of a Steak ‘n Shake garden fresh salad, and adds grilled chicken to the mix.

This creates a healthy salad that is perfectly balanced nutritionally, too. 


Arby’s Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad 

Everybody loves Arby’s, so it makes sense that everybody loves their Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad.

This salad begins with fresh chopped lettuce, topped with shredded cheese, roasted turkey, diced tomatoes, and diced bacon.

It is full of flavor, and a favorite for this chain. 


QDOBA Citrus Lime Chicken Salad

If you are visiting QDOBA, then the salad to order is the Citrus Lime Chicken Salad.

The Mexican influence on this salad is clear, but it just makes it all the more delicious.

With fresh romaine lettuce, served with grilled adobo chicken, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and salsa, there is something for everyone in this salad.

So, you definitely need to give it a try.  


Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad

Speaking of Mexican salads, next up we would suggest giving the Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad a try.

This salad is great because you can order it standard, or you can customize it to suit your taste buds.

Choose whichever ingredients you want, and they will be delivered in a large tortilla. It is unique, and that is what makes it so great.  


Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad

Making the conscious decision not to order chicken from Chick-fil-A is not easy.

The great thing about the Cobb salad is that you can choose from a variety of different ingredients to serve with it.

Whether you would prefer chicken strips, fillets, nuggets, or simply a plain salad, you can get it at Chick-fil-A.


Subway Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki 

If you love a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sub, then you will love the salad version of this sandwich.

Choose the different salad toppings that you would usually add to your sub, then the sweet onion chicken teriyaki will be served on top.

It is totally delicious, and a true delight if you love this sub. 


Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad

Avocado has become very popular in recent years, primarily for its health benefits.

That is why the Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad has become so popular.

With all the classic salad ingredients served alongside smoked bacon, grilled chicken breast, and avocado balls, it is clear to see why you have to give this salad a try. 

Just one more reason that Wendy’s is so incredibly popular across the country.


McDonald’s Southwest Salad

The salads at McDonald’s have some pretty negative connotations, and that is because they originally contained more calories than a Big Mac.

But, some simple changes to the recipe have made the McDonald’s Southwest Salad a lot healthier like some of their breakfast options, and that is why it is a great option if you are visiting this store. 


Zaxby’s The Grilled Cobb Zalad 

Finally, let’s wrap this up with Zaxby’s ‘The Grilled Cobb Zalad’.

This salad is unique to the other options that we have looked at because it contains red cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, and lots more.

So, if you are looking for a salad that is a little different, this is the one.  


Best Fast Food Salads in America

  1. Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad
  2. Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
  3. Quizno’s Apple Harvest Salad
  4. Chipotle Build Your Own Salad
  5. Steak ‘n Shake Grilled Chicken Salad
  6. Arby’s Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad 
  7. QDOBA Citrus Lime Chicken Salad
  8. Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad
  9. Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad
  10. Subway Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
  11. Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
  12. McDonald’s Southwest Salad
  13. Zaxby’s The Grilled Cobb Zalad 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, eating at your favorite fast food restaurant doesn’t always have to be unhealthy! There are plenty of vegetable salad options from fast food places that are delicious and nutritious!

While these fast food restaurants have great salad options, you might want to go somewhere dedicated to the art of the salad. Check out these chains that focus on salads so that you can customize your salad or get a unique salad.

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One Comment

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  1. I was just at Arby’s last night in Knoxville, Tn. Zero salads. I am post diabetic and have to watch what I eat. When I get sandwiches I have them hold the bread. They really had nothing that I could eat other than the sandwich with no bread.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian has been an influencer in the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. He not only loves to eat and drink at restaurants on a regular basis, he also knows the business inside and out.